REMOVAL OF STATION

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 351, 4 February 1937, Page 4

REMOVAL OF STATION

RAILWAY PROBLEMS.

Congestion Investigated By Chief Engineer.

Once again interest is centred on the question of [the removal Of the Stratford railway station by the visit to Stratford /to-day of a party of railwafy officials which included the Transportation Superintendent and Mr. 'W. P. Miller, District Traffic Marujtr, The object of 'their /visit (was to seek the opinions of the people* of the town, particularly (In regard to closing of crossings and this morning they conferred w'Jfh the Mayor, Mr. J. W. McMillan and Councillor A. H. Trol|ter On these matters. ’

It it well known that there is considerable congestion in the yards and at various times complaint has been made ot alleged undue delay at crossings during shunting operations. With the Mayor and Cr. Troker discussion took place as to wfat could be done to overcome the difficulties at the Regan and Fen Don Street crossings. To close Regan Street and pnt 'a subway near the fife station was on the schemes in the minds of the officials. 'Short-sighted Proposal. It was considered by the Mayor that to close Regan Street would be suicidal to the future development of the town and. that to do anything to increase the accommodation in the present yards would be a short lighted move. In his opinion the only alternative was to shift the station, to

the southern end of the borough near the Warwick Road where the railway department had acquired a considerable amount of property and to carry out the agreement made .between the people of the town and the Railway Department some years ago. '-■■■■■ Alternative Scheme. At the coil elusion of the conference the officials inspected the Fenton Street crossing and the proposed route of the new road, from Juliet Street to Broadway beneath the archet of the railway bridge. The Fenton Street crossing would be closed and pedestrian traffic would eb provided for by a subway or an overhead bridge. •

Concerning thia proposal a local resident wat of the opinion that equally strong opposition would be forthcoming to the closing' ot the crossing. Compensation, he said, would have to be paid property owners', and it was doubtful whether the congestion in the yards would be alleviated to any appreciable .extent. A preliminary survey of the new road has been made but it was considered a poor substitute asi well as being somewhat dangerous on account. ot a sharp elbow turn.

On account of the situation of the river the department would never be able to obtain sufficient room, while on the other hand, It was considefbd that with the shifting of the station a lot ot traffic would be lost by the department. It was mentioned, however, by the officials that in the eveait of the station being shifed It might be possible to provide free passenger buses as well as a parcel delivery service.

To sum up. thte .position Is that opposition is liWely to be made to the closing of / Rclgan the closing of Fenton Street (and to the (removal pf the station. That is /the problem confronting the department’s /officers Who admit (hat |had H .not lUoqn |for. the depression period the station would have . been shifted years ago. It is (understood tha(t {the whole position will be discussed with |the Transport I Licensing Authorities at a meeting in Stratford shortly.